JAPAN MATSURI 2017
Sunday 24 September 2017 | 10am - 8pm
Trafalgar Square, London
This is the 9th year of JAPAN MATSURI and the event will once again be held at the iconic Trafalgar Square in London. The matsuri (meaning festival in Japanese) is free to attend for all the family, starting at 10am and finishing at 8pm. The matsuri features a wide variety of Japan-related performances throughout the day on the main stage, and also demonstrations on the martial arts stage. There will be a range of stalls around the square where you can sample some of Japan's favourite street food, and learn about Japanese culture, tourism and more!
Umon Tachibana
Among the various attractions, this year's matsuri features three very special guests from Japan; Umon Tachibana – Yose-moji Calligrapher, Wasuke Okinaya – Daikagura Juggler and Monnosuke Mimasu – Kyokugoma Juggler.
Umon Tachibana is a calligrapher of Yose-moji, a form of Japanese writing used for posters and signs in the Yose theatre which hosts performances of rakugo (comic storytelling). The thick lines of the characters, with very little blank space between, represent the desire for a full house for each performance. Come and have your own Yose calligraphy specially written for you at the Japan House London stall.
Wasuke Okinaya
Monnosuke Mimasu
Wasuke Okinaya is a Daikagura performer, particularly of balancing tricks. Daikagura has its roots in the ceremonial music and dance performed in Shinto shrines. During the Edo period (17th – 19th centuries), however, these shrine rituals developed into a set of performing arts including dance, juggling, music and comic theatre.
Monnosuke Mimasu is a Kyokugoma (literally, ‘spinning tops’) performer whose art was initially a form of entertainment for the aristocracy yet gradually became popular amongst Japan’s large urban populations during the Edo period (17th – 19th centuries). Kyokugoma includes spinning tops on swords, strings, fans, and kimono.
In addition to these special guests, there will be a full programme of entertainment, including a Mikoshi Procession & Bon Festival Dance by students from Teikyo School, Eisa Dance performance by children of the London Bunka Yochien, and Joji Hirota & London Taiko Drummers will be back again this year to close the evening with the mighty thunder of huge taiko drums.
The Japan Matsuri Song “IBUKI” with Naomi Suzuki will also be performed and is a chance for everyone to dance together! The song had it's debut last year - why not learn the moves (or refresh your memory) before you come?! Check the official video here.
For more information about the festival, please visit the Japan Matsuri website.
